Canadian Women Film Directors Database
home search browse about contact français

Quick search by surname

Minor Keys

Directed by Mieko Ouchi
Canada, 2004 (documentary, 53 minutes, colour, English)
Minor Keys
Image: © National Film Board of Canada
Video (National Film Board of Canada)

Film Description:
"The soaring notes of a violin lift through the air while confident young hands grasp the bow. Lifting the curtain on the little-understood world of the child musical prodigy, Minor Keys takes us into the lives of two exceptional violinists: 12-year-old Ewald Cheung, who dreams of playing the world's famous concert halls, and 18-year-old Jessica Linnebach, who is launching her professional career. Filmed over an 18-month period, this engaging documentary charts the pressure-filled road these young musicians travel. From home and school to music lessons and competitions, they speak candidly about their dreams and fears. James Keene, their inspiring teacher and a former child prodigy, looks back on his own childhood experiences to cast light on the stress of a glamorous but sometimes unkind business. The documentary also features interviews with renowned developmental psychologist Dr David Henry Feldman. Mixing candid interviews, lively footage and stirring musical performances, Minor Keys offers a thought-provoking look at the ordinary children behind the extraordinary talents."
-- National Film Board of Canada (source)

Film Credits (partial):
Written by: Mieko Ouchi
Produced by: Bonnie Thompson, Graydon McCrea
Participants: Jessica Linnebach, Ewald Cheung, James Keene, David Henry Feldman, Jennifer Shamess, Chi Fun Cheung, David Cheung, Patinka Kopec
Cinematography: Daron Donahue
Film Editing: Scott Parker
Production Company: National Film Board of Canada / Office national du film du Canada
(sources)

Web Sites about Minor Keys


home search browse about contact français